The Charlottesville 29

If there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29?

Tag: Monsoon Siam

03/20/2020

Five Finds on Friday: Margo Bulka

Margo

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from an unsung hero of the COVID-19 crisis, WillowTree Principal Product Strategist Margo Bulka, who single-handedly designed and built Charlottesville’s best resource for responding to it: supportcville.com. There, you can find how to help and how to get help. In maintaing the site, Bulka is grateful for Jordy Yager, who oversees the site’s content, and WillowTree, for its great support of her efforts. In Bulka’s picks, she celebrates restaurants offering takeout as a way to try to survive this crisis:

1) The Bill at Brazos Tacos. “‘Mashed potatoes on a taco?’ My skeptical out of town visitors will always raise an eyebrow. ‘Just trust me.’ With potatoes and mushrooms smothered in zingy honey jefe topped with cilantro, The Bill has the natural joy of a taco but with a kick. Unexpected but amazing.” (UPDATE: Brazos is closed indefinitely.)

2) Shaved Salad at Oakhart Social. “Around an evening dinner table, a friend shared a rumor about this salad – supposedly, it was once voted the best in the world. The whole world? Crisp fresh fennel, sweet crunch of fresh apple, parmesan dressing. Heavenly. Pass it on.” Order it for curbside pick-up here. 

3) Margarita D.O.C. at Lampo. “I can’t tiptoe around it. Picking a favorite on the Lampo menu is next to impossible (the Hellboy, the Abruzzo . . . the Cavoletti Di Bruxelles) but the Margarita D.O.C. wins the crown. The simplicity of fresh, bubbling mozzarella di bufala after a trip inside the wood-fired oven makes it unforgettable.” Order it for curbside pick-up here.

4) Kao Soi at Monsoon Siam. “Curry, brothy, noodle-y goodness topped with crispy egg noodles and cilantro. A remarkable symphony of savory and sweet against a soft crunch. What is even happening in that bowl? Unclear, but it’s fantastic.” Order it for curbside pick-up or delivery here.

5) Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at MarieBette. “You’ll have to zoom in early on Saturday mornings to beat the line, but the weekend alarm is worth it. I love this stack of fluffy pancakes followed by the morning nap that often ensues.” Call (434) 529-6118 to order Buttermilk Pancakes from MarieBette’s new takeout menu here.

brazos

09/20/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Bo Stockton

Stockton

Stockton’s son.

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Bo Stockton, new owner of Michael’s Bistro and Tap House. A longtime manager of Charlottesville restaurants, Stockton says the biggest thing he has learned is that the keys to a restaurant’s success are “good food and good service at a quality price.” With an institution like Michael’s, Stockton is treading slowly with changes, but will debut a new brunch menu this weekend, and has started adding dinner items too. Stockton’s picks:

1) Hellboy Pizza at Lampo. “When I’m feeling down and need a pick-me-up, I remember how April revived the Ninja Turtles . . . pizza. Master Splinter says Hellboy and then Mitchell Shredders the cheese. A must in Cville.”

2) Breakfast BBQ at Blue Moon Diner. “The fact that they are back makes me want to dance. I have had everything from business meetings to dates to hangover cures feasting on their brunch menu. For me, always the pulled pork over English muffins with onion straws. So happy they re-opened.”

3) English Muffins at Belle. “This spot is new to Belmont but already feels like home. Grab a cup of Joe and get an English muffin made in house. How can you go wrong? I like egg and cheese on mine. They make whatever, and have a perfect place for the family.”

4) Fresh Rolls at Monsoon Siam. “If you haven’t had the fresh rolls to start and followed them with house hot anything, then you haven’t lived. Hands down my go to jiggity jam. Tell them Bo sent you if you want it hot.”

5) Fried Chicken from Brown’s. “So many arguments over the ‘best fried chicken’ in Cville. Stop arguing, head to Brown’s. Crispy, greasy, hearty and everything else but healthy. Yum.”

Hellboy

03/29/2019

Five Finds on Friday: Nikki Fayolle

Nikki

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Nikki Fayolle, part of the husband-and-wife team that runs Blue Ridge Pizza Co. and soon will open No Limits Smokehouse in Belmont. As if that’s not enough, Fayolle also owns Glo-Out Gamour Bar. Stay tuned for details about the Fayolle’s new smokehouse. Fayolle’s picks:

1) Tofu Soup at Monsoon Siam. “Monsoon is a must for me. The tofu soup and pad Thai are my faves. I honestly probably eat there too much, but I can’t help myself. The staff is always welcoming also.”

2) Dealer’s Choice at The Alley Light. “The Alley Light is a no brainer for that slamming cocktail list of theirs. My go-to is the Dealer’s Choice. I enjoy the surprise and delight element I get when I order it. It’s always on point and absolutely amazing.”

3) Honey Gelato from Splendora’s. “Splendora’s hits my sweet tooth every time, especially when she runs the honey flavor. I seriously wait until the season hits so I can stuff my face full of that gelato. If people wouldn’t judge, I’d probably rub it all over my face. Yeah, it’s THAT good.”

4) Red Hot Blues at Continental Divide. “Continental Divide is my numero uno for margaritas and the Red Hot Blues. You can never just have one of those margs, like EVER. I also love that the girls there always know that I love the goat cheese and forever ask for extra. (Love you P-nut and Margie).”

5) Sotol at The Bebedero. “The Bebedero is creeping up on my new fave list also. They carry this liquor called Sotol. We had it when we went to Austin in January and let me tell you, the stuff is awesome. They carry all sorts of it, and the bartenders there are incredibly knowledgeable.”

smoke

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